Students Become Teachers at DRDC Atlantic

06 October 2006

Future scientist Greg Keddy, Dalhousie University, shows how magnetic shape memory alloys have the ability to convert mechanical energy into magnetic energy.

Four co-op students on summer assignments from DRDC Atlantic's Emerging Materials Section held 30 - minute technical discussions regarding their work during the centre's annual student presentation event held on 24 August.

The presentations began with Donna Reimchen, who showed how alloys are widely used for various seawater systems in marine applications. Brody Mossman analyzed polymer composites and their unusual dielectric properties that can be used for applications such as adaptive camouflage. Greg Keddy discussed energy harvesting systems intended to replace battery power for underwater surveillance equipment. The final speaker, Heather Boudreau, presented her study on current and future sustainable development strategies for all DRDC centres.

Scientists and technologists challenged the students' hard work with insightful questions throughout the discussions. All four students exhibited a high degree of expertise and professionalism as they answered questions and engaged many audience members with in-depth discussions following the session.

Annual student presentations have been a longstanding tradition at DRDC Atlantic and have proved to be a valuable exercise in information-sharing between students and scientists. While giving the students in the lab an opportunity to present their research, the activity also offers DRDC Atlantic staff a great opportunity to survey potential future defence scientists and engineers.